Nicki Minaj stands out not just as an acclaimed rapper but also as the richest and most prominent female rapper globally. Like many artists in her genre, Minaj has been involved in numerous disputes with fellow musicians throughout her career.
Some of the most notable conflicts she has faced include feuds with Remy Ma, Cardi B, and currently ongoing tensions with Megan Thee Stallion. Additionally, six years ago, she found herself at the center of another controversy related to her collaboration with Trina.
Following the release of their joint effort, a member of Trina’s team took to Instagram to criticize Minaj, labeling her a “deceiver and manipulator.”In response, Trina was quick to state that there was no feud between them and accepted responsibility for her team member’s inappropriate comments, sharing in an Instagram Live:
“My team felt the need to speak out, and I’m gonna take the blame for that because me and my team dropped the ball.”
The disagreement stemmed from their 2019 collaboration, “BAPS,”featured on Trina’s sixth album, *The One*. Prior to “BAPS,”both artists had collaborated on tracks such as “Dang A Lang,””S** in Crazy Places,”and the “5 Star (Remix).”
The 2019 Drama Unfolded with Reginald Saunders’ Criticism of Nicki Minaj
On June 19, 2019, Trina released “BAPS”, featuring Nicki Minaj. Coincidentally, this was the same day that Megan Thee Stallion’s “Hot Girl Summer,”a collaboration with Nicki, also came out.
Reginald Saunders, the A&R Executive at Trina’s Rockstarr Music Group, became frustrated, feeling that Nicki Minaj was not adequately promoting “BAPS”as her focus seemed divided on the project with Stallion. He publicly criticized her on Instagram, stating:
“This isn’t the first time @nickiminaj has pulled this stunt and I can’t believe how disingenuous people can be for a bit of fame, likes, and followers. I can’t wait to see how this plays out because karma is real; shame on you. I feel sorry for #barbs who don’t realize their leader is a deceiver and manipulator.”
Though the post was deleted shortly after, Nicki Minaj did not overlook it. On the following episode of Queen Radio, she addressed the issue, asserting:
“For anyone to think I owe them something or to publicly disrespect me because I support another female without being reprimanded, that’s unacceptable.”
Minaj further emphasized that despite releasing her track on the same day as Trina’s “BAPS,”she had offered to promote Trina’s work on her radio show, stating that she wasn’t obligated to do so.
Nicki Minaj declared that she wasn’t “entitled to assist anyone.”She also reminded everyone that no one had ever gone out of their way to stand up for her during tough times.
This incident made it clear that Minaj was displeased with Saunders’ comments and believed that it was Trina’s job to manage such behavior. Her passionate response on the radio led to rampant speculation about a possible feud between the two rappers.
On August 14, 2019, Trina took to Instagram Live, aiming to dispel any rumors of a conflict and publicly defended Nicki by stating:
“You’re not going to disrespect Nicki Minaj or anyone else featured on my album because they are here because of my face and favor.”
Trina explained that none of the featured artists on her album, including Nicki, received payment; rather, they were all favors given out of respect and faith in her, adding:
“Every collaboration on my album consisted of individuals who believed in me and offered me these favors. That illustrates the bond and support I have with them.”
Ultimately, she stated that it was her responsibility, not anyone else’s, to promote her own album, affirming that Minaj had “performed her part”and that she had respect for her efforts, without expecting any further assistance.
While Trina’s candid acknowledgment and her willingness to accept responsibility eased tensions and hinted that no feud existed, the two artists have not collaborated on any new music since.
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